Excavating machine



D. A. ROSSI AND F. REYNOLDS.

EXCAVATING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 25.. I920.

Patented May 2, 1922'.

4 SqHEETS-SHEET l ,DAJiosst F'YRey INVENTOR ATTORNEY nolcis I WITNESSES n. A. ROSS! AND" F. REYNOLDS;

EXCAVATING MACHINE.

IAPPIUCATION FILED SEPT. 25- 1920- 1,414,832. ed May 2, 1922.

6' sums-sum 2. 2-

,DARosst INVENTOR A'rroRNEY w ITNESS :5

D. A. ROSSI AND 'F. REYNOLDS.

EXCAVATING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 25. 1920.

Patented May 2, 1922.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

2.1213085? a I V y mvEN-roR /f J/wmw v M @041 ATTORNEY WITNESSES D. A. ROSS] AND F. REYNOLDS.

EXCAVAHNG MACHINE.

APPLICATION FIL'ED SEPT- 25. 1920.

1,414,832.. I ed y'2,1922.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4- 17. A jlossz' .F: INVENTOR BY 5W AITORNEY WITNESSE5 WITNESSES D. A. ROSSI'AND F.v REYNOLDS.

' EXCAVATING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT- 25. 1920- Patented May 2, 1922.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5- ,DA. Rossi 7 gym INVENTOR a; way,

ATTORNEY D. A. ROSSI AND F. REYNOLDS.

EXCAVATING MACHINE.

- APPLICATION FILED SEPT- 25- 19 20. I 1 414,832, Patented May 2, 1922.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

ATI'ORNEY WITNESSES UNlTED fiTATE DOMNICK A. ROSSI AND FORREST REYNOLDS, 0F CLEVELAND, OHIO.

EXCAVATING MACHINE.

Specification. of Letters Patent. Patentgd May 2, 1922,

Application filed September 25, 1920. Serial No. 412,695.,

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, DOMNIOK A. Rossi and Fonnns'r'RnYNoLDs, citizen of the United States and subject of the King of Italy, respectively, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of C hiofliave invented new and useful Improvements in Excavating Machines, of which the following is a specification. 1

This invention relates to a dirt conveyor and filling attachment for sewer digging machines.

In carrying out our invention we propose to produce a device of this character in which an excavation at the rear of a digging machine may be filled by mechanism 0perated by the machine, as fast as an extension of the excavation is made by the digger.

We also aim to produce a device of this character deriving power from a digging machine, for conveying excavated material to the rear of the machine, deposit the same in the excavation made by the machine, or in wagons so that the same may be hauled away from the excavation, or simultaneously deposit the material in the excavation and in wagons, as when only a comparatively small quantity of dirt is required in filling the excavation.

It is a still further object ofthe invention to produce a device of this character wherein an excavation made by a digging machine may be filled as close to or as far away from the machine as is found convenient or desirable.

A further object of the invention is to produce a device of this character which may be positioned at either side of a digging machine and the excavation made thereby wherein the material dug by the machine will be conveyed to the rear thereof, either for fillin the excavation made by the machine or or depositing the same on wagons to be hauled to a suitable dump or the like, and in which the device will be retained at a desired position with respect to the digging machine, regardless of uneven road surfaces, one wherein the operating power is derived from the digger, and also one wherein only a single hand is required in operation, and the employment ofsuch hand being necessary only for directing the material either into the excavation or into the hauling wagons.

It is a still further object of the invention to produce a device of this character which shall be of a simple construction that may be cheaply manufactured, which may be attaohed to any ordinary construction of digging machines and which will be thoroughly effective for the purpose for which it is devised.

The foregoing objects, and others which will appear as the nature of the invention is better understood may be accomplished by a construction, combination and operative arrangement of parts such as is illustrated by the drawings.

In the drawings g Figure 1 is aside elevation of the improvement.

Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof.

Figure 3 is an elevation looking toward the front of the device.

Figure l is a similar view looking toward the back of the. device.

Figure 5 is a sectional view approximately on the line 5-5 of Figure 1. a

Figure 6 is a sectional view approximately on the line 6-6 of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a sectional view approximately on the line 7-7 of Figure 5. v

Figure 8 is a sectional view approximately on the line 88 of Figure 1.

' Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating the manner in which the bearing for the end rollers is adjusted.

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view through the discharge conveyor and the sup porting frame therefor.

Referring now to the drawings in detail the numeral 10 indicates, generally, a digging or excavating machine, of that class, commonly employed for digging sewers or like excavations. The machine receives power in the usual manner, from an engine operated from the steam of a boiler, the operating propelling means, however, not entering part of this invention, has not been disclosed. The conveyor for the digger is in the nature of an endless member and is indicated by the numeral 11. In the present instance the conveyor ll discharges into a receiving hopper l2 which forms one of the features of our invention.

The receiving hopper 12 is supportedon the side members 13 that provide elements of the frame of our conveyor 14. The conveyor frame is constructed in sections, three of such sections being illustrated by the drawings, but it is to be understood that any desired number of such sections may be added, or the central section removed so that only the end sections are connected, should it be found desirable. By adding to the sections, and, of course, lengthening the endless conveyor, which will hereinafter be described, the dirt from the digging machine 10 may be deposited as close to or as far away from the machine as desired. Therefore the sections comprising the conveyor frame are removably connected, the side members being preferably of channeled irons having plates received therein at the confronting ends of the said sections and'the said plates 15 connected by removable means, such as bolts 16.

Between the side members of the frame, and journaled in suitable bearing openings therein are rollers on which the endless conveyor rests, These rollers are divided into series, one series being indicated by the numeral 17 and the other by the numeral 1.8. The first mentioned series of rollers, 17, need not have their short shafts or trunnions projecting through the side members of the frame, but the other series of rollers 18 have their short shafts or trunnionsprojecting through the said side members of the frame. For distinction the short shafts or trunnions of tie last mentioned rollers are indicated l the numeral 19 and have keyed or otherwise secured thereon, at one side of the frame, sprocket wheels 20. By reference to the drawings it will be seen that the rollers 19 are each spaced away from each other-and the same distance, and also by reference to the drawings it will be seen that two sprocket wheels 20 are provided on each shaft 19 of each of the rollers 18, except the foremost roller, or the roller 18 disposed next to the hopper 12. Around the sprocket wheels are trained endless chains 21, and it will be thus noted that when power is imparted to one of the rollers it such power, through the medium of the chains 21, v'll be transmitted to the remaining,' rollers, and thus it will be seen that the rollers are what may be termed the active rollers, while the rollers 17 are merely conveyingsupporting rollers. Tle arrangement of the rollers 18 as just de scribed is desirable, if not essential, in the lengtheniupor the shortening of the corn veyor.

The CODVGLVOL' belt is indicated by the numeral Q2, and is, of course, trained around the rollers. The upper or active lead of the belt conveyor rests directly on all of the rollers but the lower lead thereof is permitted to sag, being, however, held a determined dis ance below the frame by supporting rolls 23. These rolls 23 have at their ends trunnions which are journaled in hearings provided by brackets 24 that denemesis pend from the side members of the frame.

The "end rollers 18 have their shafts 19 preferably supported in movable bearings, indicated by the numeral 25. These bearings are arranged in longitudinal slots 26 in the side members of the frame, and the said b airings are contacted by'the longitudinally adjustable elements, such as bolts 27' that are threaded "throughdugs 28 on the sides of the frame. By this arrangement the belt 22 is retained in a proper taut condition.

@"n the frontframe section, as VGll as on the intermediate frame section, but not necessarily on the. rear frame section there are journaled wheels 29 that engage the rails of removable track sections 30. The wheels 29 have their shafts journaled i i suitable bear inp s provided on the angle ends of substantially ll-shaped members 31. Theconnect ing element for the angle sides of the members 31 is straight and finds a bearing against the lower flat plate 32 of brackets that are secured to the under face of the conveyor frame. The members 31 are pivotally secured, as at 82 tothe brackets, and in this manner the wheels 29 are free to turn should it be desired to arrange the track at an angle or at a curve.

The shaft 19 of one of the rollers 18 carried by the front frame section, has the end thereof opposite that to which the sprocket wheels 20 are secured, attached to a rotating part of the digging machine, and in this manner it will be noted that motion will be imparted to the belt 22 as long as the digger is in motion. The belt 22 moves in the direction of the arrow 33, and consequentl; carries the excavated matter to the rear of the digger 10. The receiving hopper 12, is, of course, arranged directly over the belt 22 so that the material properly deposited on the belt. For distinction the end of the connection between the shaft l9 and the rotating part of the digging machine is in dicated by the numeral 7 5. By reference to Figure 3 of the drawings it will be seen that this'shaft is adjustable and that the same has swi'veled connections with the shaft 19 andwith the referred to rotary part of the digger.

The rollers 17 and 18 are preferably concaved, or gradually reduced in thickness from their ends to the center thereof, and in this manner the material deposited on ti o belt 2:2 will cause the said belt to yield or depress in the center thereof, providing wha may be termed. a pocket so that the excavated matter is not liable to spill over the edges of the belt. In addition to this method of prevei'iting the side spilling of the excavated matter, we have arranged on the sides of the conveyor frame upwardly projecting angularly disposed side members or boards 3%.

1n order that the conveyor will not be affected by varying heights taken by the digger 10, or the varying lateral arrangement of the digger with respect to the conveyor, there is pivotally secured to the front end of the conveyor frame, as indicated by the numeral the ends of a yoke 36. At the center of the yoke there is swiveled, as at 37 a head 88. To this head there is connected an .angularly disposed arm 39. This arm is received in a socket member 40 extending from one side of the digger 10, thesocket being reinforced by brace members 41.

The belt 22 delivers to a receiving hopper 42. This hopper has its bottom provided with opposed downwardly directed outlets 43 and 44 respectively. These outlets are controlled by gate valves 45 operated by a lever 46 at the rear of the hopper. Below the lever there is a platform 47 on which the operator stands. By operating the lever the material delivered into the hopper 42 may be directed through either of the outlets 43 and 44, as wellasthrough both of said outlets and at determined quantities, as for instance the lever may be operated to actuate the gate valve to partly close one of the outlets and wholly open the other outlet. The outlet which is directed to the excavation made by the digger 10 has removably attached thereto a chute 48. The means for securing the chute to the outlet, indicated by the numeral 49 may be also employed for attaching the said chute to the second outlet.

The receiving hopper 42 is supported by means 50 on a platform 51. The platform 51 is pivotally connected, as at 54, to a substantially U-shaped frame 52, the latter having bearings for the axles of wheels 53. The above construction comprises a truck, and the pivotal connection between the wheel support and the platform permits of the truck rounding curves in the track that is taken by the conveyor. 6n a turntable 55 on the platform 51 is an endless discharge conveyor 56. This conveyor includes ,a lower substantially straight or horizontal portion and an upper and outer angle portion. The conveyor is in the nature of an endless belt 57, the same traveling around rollers 58 that have their short shafts or trunnions journaled in bearing openings in the side frame members 59. One of the trunnions indicated for distinction by the numeral 60 projects a suitable distance beyond the side frame members 59 and has on each of its ends beveled gear wheels 61 and 62, respectively.

The rear section of the delivery conveyor is supported on the truck 52 by substantially straight braces 63 and angle braces 64, and the side frame members 13 are preferably to the sides of the receiving hopper 42.

.Vhen the discharge conveyor 56 is to deliver to one side of the delivery conveyor, or more strictly speaking when the device is in the art to which the invention appertains.

the beveled wheels, say the beveled wheels 61 70 is in mesh with a beveled wheel 65 that is secured upon a shaft 66 which is mounted in bearings 67 supported on the platform 51. ()n the second end of the shaft 62 is a sprocket wheel 68. Around this sprocket wheel 68 and the outer sprocket wheel 20 on the shaft of the end-roller 18, at the rear of the device, there is trained an endless chain 69. By this means motion is imparted to the discharge conveyor belt.

When. the device is arranged at the other side of the trench or sewer dug by the machine 10 the discharge conveyor 56 is turned with the turntable which will. bring the beveled gear 62 of the shaft 60 into mesh with the beveled gear 65 of the shaft 66 and motion will again be imparted to the dis charge conveyor in a manner as above described. l'n this event the supporting rods. 70 which are arranged between the outer end of the conveyor and one of the sides of the receiving hopper 42 are brought to engage with the opposite side of the said hopper. These rods preferably have their ends offset so that the same may be removably connected with eyes on the said opposed sides of the receiving hopper. v,

The improvement is of that class of devices which are commonly known to the trade as back fillers, and it is believed that the foregoing description, when taken in connection with the drawings will fully set forth the construction, operation, and advantages of the improvement to those skilled It should be stated, however, that the drawings disclose a satisfactory embodiment of the invention as the same now appears to us, but we may, at a later date make changes therefrom without departing from the spirit or sacrifice any of the advantages of the improvement.

Taving thus described the invention, What we claim is I i r 1. In combination with a digging machine; of a receiving hoppertherefor, an endless conveyor, means connecting said conveyor to the machine for permitting a limited vertical and side movement of the machine without infiuencing the conveyor, and means operated by the machine for imparting motion to the conveyor.

2. In combination with a digging machine, and operating and propelling means therefor, of a receiving hopper for the digging machine, an endless conveyor for the hopper having a frame made up of detachable sections, means for associating any of the sections, tensioning means for the conveyor, revoluble supporting means for the conveyor,

conveyor to the flexible means connecting by the chgge'r m" oeons ectnan one conveyor.

i 3, n combination with :1 gmg machine,

r i and. operating propelling icons therefor; oi a receiving hopper to; :l e 'c elowv ery ho i A citing means ..JJ 1 4 '1 outlets toi solo 1115211 i i nollingthe W said outlets means 'ing ine-liine for ininotion to fn'st entionecl conveyoig and means between ti conveyors for J motion from the 111st mentioned inipertni o the V nentionecl conveyor.

2 In combination with a digging niechine; of a receiving hopper therefor, an enclless conveyor below the hopper and supported, from the frame of the conveyor, the conveyor frame being made up of detachable sections wheels supporting the sections, a

hoppenatthe'clelivei'y end of the yon o. Wheeled support thei'et'oi' oppositely dispose-(l outlets for said hopper opera ing means for controlling the said outlets sustining means between the Wheeled support and conveyor a second conveyor bethe delivery outlet pivotally secured on the support thereto: means actuated by the machine for imparting motion to the first nientionec comreyor means between the first and second mentioned conveyors for importing motion. from the foirner to the latter,

to either of two positions on its support, and means for supporting the delivery end of the lost mentioned conveyor from: the clel1vcry hopper When the latter is swung to elthei' side of the SZLlCl conveyor.

in testimony whereof We affix our signal. Lures.

DUMNICX A ZNQLDS. 

